Threadless Mechanical Seal Locking Ring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical sealing devices face issues with leakage due to stress transfer from housing to radial seal faces via threads, leading to non-planar states and potential leakage in rotating equipment like pumps.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical sealing device with a recess and locking element on the outer peripheral surface of the backing-up element, eliminating the need for threads, using an elastomer-based element and shoulders to secure the seal member, preventing axial movement and rotation, and ensuring a final position to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the stationary seal member is connected to the housing via a peripheral thread, then the stationary seal member is secured against axial movement, but stresses from the housing are transferred to the radial seal faces causing non-planar states and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful thread connection from the system. Instead of using threads to secure the stationary seal member to the housing, the patent uses a separate locking ring that engages with a recess in the seal member. This removes the stress transfer path from housing to seal faces while maintaining axial position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the stationary seal member. It provides the securing function without creating direct stress transfer to the radial seal faces. The locking ring engages with the recess in the seal member and the housing, mediating the connection without compromising sealing reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking ring is used to secure the stationary seal member, then axial movement is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the stationary seal member serves multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement surface for the locking ring, defines the axial position of the seal member, and eliminates the need for separate threading features. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite adding the locking ring.
3Strength
If threads are used to connect the stationary seal member to the housing, then the connection is secure, but the housing depth must be increased to accommodate the threads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading feature from the housing design. By using a locking ring with a recess instead of threads, the housing depth is reduced as no thread engagement space is required. The connection strength is maintained through the locking ring's engagement with the recess and housing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the securing means is located on the side facing the process medium, then the seal member can be secured, but process medium residues accumulate on the securing means creating hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by locating the securing means (locking ring and recess) on the side of the housing opposite to the process medium side. The locking ring is mounted on the housing's second side and engages with the recess in the stationary seal member, keeping all securing features away from the process medium and preventing residue accumulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a secure, threadless connection that reduces the risk of leakage, allows for a more compact housing design, and is hygienic, making it suitable for industries like food processing and medical applications, while maintaining effective sealing performance under vibrations and pressure differences.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer based element adapted to secure the first seal member to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a locking element configured to be mounted in the recess, the securing means being adapted to prevent the first seal member from being withdrawn from the opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device comprising a mechanical seal is configured to seal a gap inan opening extending through a housing (3), wherein a shaft (23) extends through the opening. The device comprises a first seal member (1) being connected to the housing and a second seal member (2) being connected to the shaft. The first seal member comprises a first backing-up element (12) forming an outer peripheral surface (13). The seal members are rotary in relation to each other with respect to a rotation axis (x). Securing means are provided to secure the first seal member at a mounted position in the opening. The securing means comprises a recess (14), provided on the outer peripheral surface, and a locking element (15) configured to be mounted in the recess. The securing means is adapted to prevent the first seal member from being withdrawn from the opening.